Techstravaganza

Finder on The Mac, Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026

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Discussed topics
Mac Finder introduction and basics

Siena provided an overview of the Finder application on Mac computers.

  • Details
    • Siena: Explained that Finder is where all file management lives, comparable to the Files app in iOS
    • Siena: Demonstrated how to access Finder using Command-Tab
    • Liz: Asked about creating files on iPad and where they would be stored
    • Siena: Clarified that iPad uses the Files app rather than Finder, and files created in Pages would typically save to iCloud Drive
    • Conclusion
      • Finder is the central file management system on Mac
      • The equivalent on iOS/iPadOS is the Files app
      • Files can be accessed across devices when stored in iCloud Drive
        • Finder keyboard shortcuts

        Siena walked through various keyboard shortcuts available in the Finder.

        • Details
          • Siena: Demonstrated accessing the menu with VO+M
          • Siena: Covered file operations shortcuts including:
            • Command-F for search
            • Command-N for new Finder window
            • Command-Shift-N for new folder
            • Command-Control-N for new folder with selection
            • Command-O to open files
            • Command-W to close windows
            • Command-I for file info
            • Command-D to duplicate files
            • Siena: Explained navigation shortcuts including:
              • Command-Left bracket to go back
              • Command-Right bracket to go forward
              • Command-Up arrow to go to enclosing folder
              • Command-Shift-F for Recents
              • Command-Shift-O for Documents
              • Command-Shift-D for Desktop
              • Command-Option-L for Downloads
              • Command-Shift-H for Home
              • Command-Shift-C for Computer
              • Conclusion
                • Mac offers numerous keyboard shortcuts for efficient Finder navigation
                • VoiceOver users can benefit from list view (Command-2) for easier navigation
                  • File compression and zip files

                  Siena demonstrated how to compress and decompress files using the Mac’s built-in zip functionality.

                  • Details
                    • Roueida: Asked how file compression works and if it removes content
                    • Siena: Explained that compression packages files into a smaller size without removing content
                    • Siena: Demonstrated downloading a zip file (OSARA extension) and decompressing it
                    • Siena: Showed how to compress a folder of music files using Control-Option-Shift-M to access the context menu
                    • Palmer: Asked for clarification about the compression/decompression process
                    • Siena: Noted that compression results vary depending on file types
                    • Conclusion
                      • Zip files are useful for sharing multiple files at once or reducing file size
                      • The Mac has built-in utilities for compressing and decompressing files
                      • Compression doesn’t remove content but packages it more efficiently
                        • Google Drive for cross-platform use

                        Discussion about using Google Drive for working across Mac and PC platforms.

                        • Details
                          • Ali: Asked if Google Drive can be used in the Finder
                          • Siena: Confirmed it works well and recommended it for users working across platforms
                          • Palmer: Asked about downloading Google Drive and how files sync between devices
                          • Ali: Discussed his workflow with Audio Hijack recordings and Reaper
                          • Siena: Explained how Google Drive allows starting work on one computer and finishing on another
                          • Conclusion
                            • Google Drive is recommended for users working across Mac and PC platforms
                            • The Google Drive app makes files accessible through Finder/File Explorer
                            • There’s a slight delay when syncing files between devices
                              • Customizing the dock

                              Siena demonstrated how to add items to the dock and rearrange them.

                              • Details
                                • Siena: Showed how to add an application to the dock using Control-Command-Shift-T
                                • Siena: Demonstrated using sticky keys to make complex keyboard shortcuts easier
                                • Palmer: Asked about the Brave Browser that Siena was adding to the dock
                                • Siena: Explained how to move items on the dock using Option+Left/Right Arrow
                                • Siena: Showed how to remove items from the dock using the context menu (Control-Option-Shift-M)
                                • Conclusion
                                  • Items can be added to the dock with Control-Command-Shift-T
                                  • Sticky keys can help with complex keyboard shortcuts
                                  • Items can be rearranged on the dock using Option+Arrow keys
                                  • Items can be removed from the dock through the context menu
                                    • Zoom AI note-taking feature

                                    Brief discussion about the AI feature in Zoom that was active during the meeting.

                                    • Details
                                      • Roueida: Asked about the “AI is active” notification on her screen
                                      • Siena: Explained that AI is taking notes during the session
                                      • Roueida: Asked if it’s possible to turn it off and if it shares content elsewhere
                                      • Siena: Clarified that the notes only go to hosts and co-hosts
                                      • Ivy: Asked if anyone can turn on AI and record
                                      • Ali: Confirmed only hosts and co-hosts have those privileges
                                      • Conclusion
                                        • Zoom’s AI feature takes notes during meetings
                                        • Only hosts and co-hosts can access these notes
                                        • The feature doesn’t share content outside the meeting
                                          • Mac vs PC discussion

                                          Participants shared their experiences and preferences regarding Mac and PC systems.

                                          • Details
                                            • Ali: Mentioned he likes both operating systems but prefers certain aspects of each
                                            • Siena: Discussed using both platforms and their respective strengths
                                            • Ali: Noted that Windows screen readers handle text editing better than VoiceOver
                                            • Palmer: Discussed his experience with laptops and considering a new Mac purchase
                                            • Ali: Shared his preference for full-size keyboards with numpads for screen reader commands
                                            • Conclusion
                                              • Both platforms have strengths and weaknesses for accessibility
                                              • Personal preference plays a significant role in platform choice
                                              • Hardware considerations (like keyboard preferences) affect user experience
                                                • Listen to the Episode of The Ali and Macara Show with Jack Falejczyk at the Following Link

                                                https://thealiandmacarashow.ca/2026/01/23/what-direction-is-voiceover-on-the-mac-heading-in-with-jack-falejczyk-friday-jan-23-2026/

                                                Check Out the Schedule for Upcoming Techstravaganza Workshops at The Following Link

                                                (altered), Updated as of Feb 2, 2026, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza

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                                                TechstravaganzaBy Ali Moosa, Macara Slobodian, and Siena Trigiani